Mumbai : Commuters on the Harbour line will have to deal with delayed services on a regular basis as Central Railway (CR) has put in a speed restriction of 15 kmph on the tracks. The speed restriction has been implemented at two points close to two crossovers at the entry point of platform number 1 and 3.
The speed restriction has been put in place to reduce the wear and tear of frequently used track components such as the points. This has been implemented following the derailment of one coach of a train on Monday evening.
The second coach of the 12-car train derailed while it was moving over a crossover to enter platform number 3. An inquiry to ascertain the cause of the derailment is in process. The measurements of the coaches and the tracks are being taken.
Earlier the trains were allowed to move over the crossovers at the speed of 30 kmph but will now have to move at a reduced speed. However, the caution order of 15 kmph will affect the punctuality of trains. A senior official from CR said, “It will take trains one minute extra to enter the platform and similarly another minute extra to leave the platform with the speed restriction.”
The additional minute for each train to enter and leave the platform is expected to have a snowball effect on the train movements of the day.
“Initially the trains will run with a delay of 5 to 10 minutes. This might gradually increase to about 30 minutes and if there is any failure it will only get worse,” added the official.
There will also be improvement in the maintenance of the tracks and especially those parts which have a greater wear and tear.
Divisional Railway Manager of CR, Amitabh Ojha said, “Portions of tracks like the tongue rail or crossing which undergo severe damage due to their extensive use will be closely monitored and changed a fortnight in advance.” There are about 10 such locations outside CST station itself which need sever maintenance, those especially close to the crossovers on the tracks.
